He said: "We've been careful throughout this process not to get involved in the politics of the war. These repatriations are simply about the soldiers and their families and the support we give to the armed forces.

"I've had letters and e-mails from serving soldiers who've seen these events on television in Afghanistan and they say it is a help."

People outside Wootton Bassett have been supporting a call for the town to have a royal prefix to recognise its role in honouring the fallen.

Cllr Bucknell said: "We're not doing it for plaudits or a pat on the back. We've very reluctantly found ourselves in the spotlight. Townspeople don't feel comfortable about all the attention."

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